Credit contribution method for a hybrid game

ABSTRACT

A method of operating a gaming system having a random number generator, a credit meter, and a first hybrid game containing an entertainment game portion and a gambling game portion. Skill play in the entertainment game is used to provide entrance to an asynchronous hybrid game tournament. The award for the asynchronous hybrid game tournament uses contributions from the real credit wagers in the gambling game of the first hybrid game.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/890,207, filed on May 8, 2013, which is a continuation ofPatent Cooperation Treaty Application No. PCT/US12/47250, filed on Jul.18, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/572,649, filed Jul. 18, 2011, the contents of each ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to gaming and morespecifically to monitoring and taxing a hybrid game that includes both agambling game and an entertainment game.

BACKGROUND

The gaming machine manufacturing industry has traditionally developedgaming machines with a gambling game. A gambling game is typically agame of chance, which is a game where the outcome of the game isgenerally dependent on chance (such as a slot machine). A game of chancecan be contrasted with a game of skill where the outcome of the game maydepend upon a player's skill with the game. Gambling games are typicallynot as interactive and do not include graphics as sophisticated as anentertainment game, which is a game of skill such as a video game.

Entertainment games may include Digital Rights Management (DRM)components to ensure that unauthorized copies of an entertainment gameare not being used. However, the operations of conventionalentertainment games are not typically taxed in order to allow for creditcontribution for tournaments or other types of additional gamblinggames. Therefore, the DRM components of an entertainment game typicallydo not provide the features that are used to monitor and collect acredit contribution.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods for collecting a credit contribution for a hybridgame having an entertainment game portion and a gambling game portionare provided. In some embodiments of the invention, a portion of realworld credits committed or accumulated in the hybrid game are collectedand the collected portion of real world credits is contributed to a poolvia a credit tax management system, the pool for the purposes ofcontributing to an award for redemption of game world credit grantedplayers for achieving a certain status in a hybrid game tournament.

In various embodiments, a credit tax function collects the portion ofthe real world credits and the credit tax function is included in thecredit tax management system, and wherein the credit tax managementsystem is coupled to a plurality of hybrid games.

In numerous embodiments, the portion of the real world credit collectedis a percentage of real world credit wagered in the hybrid game and thepercentage is taken directly.

In many embodiments, the real world credit collected is a percentage ofreal world credit wagered in the hybrid game and the percentage is takenby adjusting the odds tables of the gambling portion of the hybrid game.

In several embodiments, the portion of the real world credit collectedis a percentage of real world credit won in the hybrid game.

In some embodiments, a percentage portion of game world credit is takenfrom the entertainment portion of the hybrid game.

In numerous embodiments, the portion of real world credit is taken on aperiodic time basis.

In many embodiments, wherein the portion of real world credit iscollected for use of the hybrid game for a certain period of time.

In several embodiments, wherein the portion of real world credit is acertain amount taken for a player to enter a tournament.

In numerous embodiments, wherein the portion of real world credit is acertain amount taken in order for a player to attempt a specific feat oraction in the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game.

In many embodiments, the portion of real world credit is a fixed amountof real world credit, in addition to the amount of real world creditwagered in the gambling game portion of the hybrid game, in order for aplayer to place a bet, in a virtual casino in the entertainment gameportion of the hybrid game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system diagram of a credit tax function system forcollecting credit contributions form hybrid games in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the placement of taps and within a credit taxfunction hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the functions of a credit tax function module inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of hybrid game utilizing credit taxfunction module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a hardware architecture diagram of a processingapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, systems and methods for a hybrid gameincluding a credit tax function module are illustrated. In manyembodiments, the credit tax function module enables credit contributionfrom the hybrid game by monitoring the amount of real world credits andgame world credits that are committed, gained or lost by a playerplaying a hybrid game. In several embodiments, a hybrid game is a gamethat integrates both a gambling game that includes a real world engine(RWE) which manages the gambling portion of a game, as well as anentertainment game that includes a game world engine (GWE) that managesthe entertainment portion of a game, and an entertainment softwareengine (ESE) that executes the game for user entertainment. In certainembodiments, the hybrid game also includes a user interface associatedwith either or both the gambling game and the entertainment game.Various hybrid games are discussed in Patent Cooperation TreatyApplication No. PCT/US11/26768, filed Mar. 1, 2011, entitled “ENRICHEDGAME PLAY ENVIRONMENT (SINGLE and/or MULTI-PLAYER) FOR CASINOAPPLICATIONS” and Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No.PCT/US11/63587, filed Dec. 6, 2011, entitled “ENHANCED SLOT-MACHINE FORCASINO APPLICATIONS” each disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. The RWE, GWE and ESE are also discussedfurther below.

The credit tax function module can monitor a hybrid game through tappoints from which the credit tax function module can collect data aboutthe hybrid game. The tap points can capture data from the hybrid game atany point of operation within the hybrid game. In several embodiments,the credit tax function module is part of a credit contribution systemthat monitors and controls several credit tax function modules.

System architectures for a hybrid game regulated by a credit taxfunction module in accordance with various embodiments are discussedfurther below.

Systems for Credit Contribution Hybrid Games

In many embodiments, a hybrid game provides players with high levels ofentertainment content with a game of skill in their gambling experience.These hybrid games provide a random outcome independent of player skillwhile ensuring that the user's gaming experience (as measured byobstacles/challenges encountered, time of play and other factors) isshaped by the player's skill. Hybrid games also provide for players togain entry into subsequent competitions through the accumulation of gameworld credits (GWCs) that accrue as a function of the user'sdemonstrated skill at the game. These competitions can pit individualplayers or groups of players against one another and/or against thecasino to win prizes based upon a combination of chance and skill. Thesecompetitions may be either asynchronous events, whereby playersparticipate at a time and/or place of their choosing, or they may besynchronized events, whereby players participate at a specific timeand/or venue. A credit tax function module in accordance with manyembodiments can be utilized across a network to collect creditcontributions from a hybrid game.

A system diagram showing a number of networked hybrid games that are inaccordance with an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1. The system 100includes numerous hybrid games 102, each connected with a credit taxfunction (CTF) module 104. In several embodiments, the credit taxfunction modules 104 that regulate the hybrid games are monitored by acredit tax function system server (CTMS) 110. In various embodiments,the hybrid games may be implemented on various types of devices,including land-based hybrid games installed in a casino or othertraditional gaming establishment, Internet-based hybrid games that aredeployed on a video gaming console or personal computer, mobile-basedhybrid games, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the hybrid games 102,credit tax function modules 104 and credit tax function system server110 communicate via a network. In several embodiments, hybrid games 102can be connected by a network 106 on a casino floor, and/or be connectedto a network (such as a wide area network) to an credit tax functionsystem server 110 which can control various aspects of the hybrid gamingenvironment, provide taxation body monitoring, financial accounting andforms of frequent player monitoring for marketing purposes. In variousembodiments, the network 106 is the Internet. In many embodiments, acredit tax function system can include one or more credit tax functionmodules 104 along with one or more credit tax function system servers110, which collect data and coordinate the activities of the credit taxfunction modules 104.

Although a specific system architecture for a regulated hybrid game isdiscussed above, any of a variety of system architectures of a regulatedhybrid game can be utilized as appropriate to the requirements of aspecific application in accordance with numerous embodiments. In manyembodiments, aspects of the regulated hybrid game may be distributedover one or more pieces of hardware and/or software, such as someelements running on a remote server, or on a server in the “cloud”(located over the Internet in a different location). In manyembodiments, a credit tax function module and/or credit tax functionsystem contains a hardware and/or software system that accepts data froma hybrid game to which it is connected and performs credit tax functionsduring the live operation of a hybrid game. Certain embodiments includestorage of game reference profiles and an analysis module (each of whichare discussed below) in a centralized server, leaving other datacollection and log file storage local with the actual physical hybridgame. Credit contribution of a hybrid game from a credit tax functionmodule utilizing taps and control signals in accordance with variousembodiments of the invention are discussed below.

Credit Contribution from Hybrid Games

Credit tax function modules in accordance with many embodiments of theinvention can utilize taps to obtain information concerning a hybridgame. The information garnered from the taps can be utilized to analyzethe hybrid game and to provide for credit contributions from the hybridgames. In some embodiments, the taps are located within the hybridgame's control logic. The taps collect data from the hybrid game andforward the data to the credit tax function. In other embodiments, thetaps are part of message communication control logic of a host hostingthe hybrid game. The message communication control logic traps messagessent between components of the hybrid game and transmits these messagesto the credit tax function. In yet other embodiments, the taps areincluded in control logic that reads game state data and resource datastored and used by the hybrid game and transmits the read game statedata and resource data to the credit tax function during the operationof the hybrid game.

A conceptual diagram illustrating the placement of taps within theelectronics of a hybrid game to enable a credit tax function module tomonitor the hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment is illustratedin FIG. 2. The hybrid game 204 includes a RWE 208, GWE 210 and ESE 222and gambling game user interface 230 and entertainment game userinterface 234. The two user interfaces may be part of the same userinterface but are separate in the illustrated embodiment. The credit taxfunction module 202 can intersperse taps 212 to monitor any portion ofthe hybrid game 204, such as directly at the RWE 208, GWE 210, ESE 222,or at the user interface for the gambling game 230 or the entertainmentgame 234. These taps allow the credit tax function module 202 toaggregate and analyze data concerning the hybrid game to provide forcredit contributions from the hybrid game. In many embodiments, thecredit tax function module 202 is implemented as a plurality of separatemodules that communicate with an credit tax function system server. TheRWE 208, GWE 210, ESE 222 and the credit tax function module 202 arediscussed further below.

In several embodiments, The RWE 208 functions as an operating system forthe gambling game of the hybrid game 204 and controls and operates thegambling game. The operation of a gambling game is enabled by realfunds, accretes and declinates real gambling credits based on randomgambling outcome, and whose gambling proposition is typically regulatedby gaming control bodies. In many embodiments, the RWE 208 includes areal world (RW) operating system (OS) 236, random number generator (RNG)238, level “n” real-world credit pay tables (Table Ln-RC) 240, RC meters242 and other software constructs that enable a game of chance to offera fair and transparent gambling proposition, and to include theauditable systems and functions that can enable the game to obtaingaming taxation body approval.

A random number generator (RNG) 238 includes software and/or hardwarealgorithms and/or processes that are used to generate random orpseudorandom outcomes. A level n real-world credit pay table (TableLn-RC) 240 is a table that can be used in conjunction with a randomnumber generator to dictate the real world credits (RC) earned as afunction of game play and is analogous to the pay tables used in aconventional slot machine. Table Ln-Rc payouts are independent of playerskill. There may be one or a plurality of Table Ln-Rc pay tablescontained in a gambling game, the selection of which may be determinedby game progress a player has earned, and bonus rounds which a playermay be eligible for. Real world credits (RC) are credits analogous toslot machine game credits which are entered into a gambling game by theuser, either in the form of hard currency or electronic funds. RCs canbe decremented or augmented based on the outcome of a random numbergenerator according to the Table Ln-Rc real world credits pay table,independent of player skill. In certain embodiments, an amount of RC canbe required to enter higher ESE game levels. RC can be carried forwardto higher game levels or paid out if a game cash out is opted for by aplayer. The amount of RC required to enter a specific level of the game“level n” need not be the same for each level.

In many embodiments, the GWE 210 manages the overall hybrid gameoperation, with the RWE 208 and the ESE 222 effectively being supportunits to the GWE 210. In several embodiments, the GWE 210 containsmechanical, electronic and software system for an entertainment game.The GWE includes a game world (GW) game operating system (OS) 244 thatprovides control of the entertainment game. The GWE additionallycontains a level “n” game world credit pay table (Table Ln-GWC) 246indicating where to take input from this table to affect the play of theentertainment game. The GWE can further couple to the RWE 208 todetermine the amount of RC available on the game and other metrics ofwagering on the gambling game (and potentially affect the amount of RCin play on the RWE 208). The GWE additionally contains various auditlogs and activity meters (such as the GWC meter 248). The GWE can alsocouple to a centralized server for exchanging various data related tothe player and their activities on the game. The GWE furthermore couplesto the ESE 222.

In many embodiments, a level “n” game world credit pay table (TableLn-GWC) 246 dictates the GWC earned as a function of player skill in thenth level of the game. The payouts governed by this table are dependentupon player skill and game play at large and may or may not be coupledto a random number generator. In several embodiments, game world credits(GWC) are player points earned or depleted as a function of playerskill, i.e. as a function of player performance in the context of thegame. GWC is analogous to the “score” in a typical video game. Each gamehas one or more scoring criterion, embedded within the Table Ln-GWC 246that reflects player performance against the goal(s) of the game. GWCcan be carried forward from one level of game play to another, andultimately paid out in various manners such as directly in cash, orindirectly such as earning entrance into a sweepstakes drawing, orearning participation in, or victory in, a tournament with prizes. GWCmay be stored on a player tracking card or in a network-based playertracking system, where the GWC is attributed to a specific player.

In some embodiments, the operation of the GWE 210 does not affect theRWE's 208 gambling operation except for player choice parameters thatare allowable in slot machines today, such as the wager amount, how fastthe player wants to play (by pressing a button or pulling the slot'shandle), agreement to wager into a bonus round, etc. In this sense, theRWE provides a fair and transparent, non-skill based gamblingproposition co-processor to the GWE. In the illustrated embodiment, thecommunication link shown between the GWE 210 and the RWE 208 allows theGWE 210 to obtain information from the RWE 208 as to the amount of RCavailable in the gambling game. The communication link can also convey anecessary status operation of the RWE (such as on-line or tilt). Thecommunication link can further communicate the various gambling controlfactors which the RWE 208 uses as input, such as the number of RCconsumed per game or the player's election to enter a jackpot round. InFIG. 2, the GWE 210 is also shown as connecting to the player's userinterface directly, as this may be necessary to communicate certainentertainment game club points, player status, control the selection ofchoices and messages which a player may find useful in order to adjusttheir entertainment game experience or understand their gambling statusin the RWE 208.

In various embodiments, the ESE 222 manages and controls the visual,audio, and player control for the entertainment game. In certainembodiments, the ESE 222 accepts input from a player through a set ofhand controls, and/or head, gesture, and/or eye tracking systems andoutputs video, audio and/or other sensory output to a user interface. Inmany embodiments, the ESE 222 can exchange data with and accept controlinformation from the GWE 210. In several embodiments an ESE 222 can beimplemented using a personal computer (PC), a mobile device such as asmartphone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, a SonyPlayStation® (a video game console developed by Sony ComputerEntertainment of Tokyo Japan), or Microsoft Xbox® (a video game consoledeveloped by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.) running a specificgame program.

The ESE 222 operates mostly independently from the GWE 210, except thatvia their interface, the GWE 210 may send certain GW game controlparameters to the ESE 222 to affect the entertainment game's play, suchas (but not limited to) what level of character to be used, changing thedifficulty level of the game, changing the type of game object, such asa gun or a car, in use, requesting portions to become available or to befound by the character, etc. The ESE 222 can accept this input from theGWE 210, make adjustments, and continue the play action all the whilerunning seamlessly from the player's perspective. The ESE's 222operation is mostly skill based, except for where the ESE's algorithmmay inject complexities into the game by chance in its normal operationto create unpredictability in the entertainment game. Utilizing thisinterface, the ESE may also communicate player choices made in the gameto the GWE 210, such as selection of a different gun, the player pickingup a special portion in the GW environment, etc.

In other embodiments, operation of an entertainment game of a hybridgame by a player consumes one or more enabling elements (EEs) within theentertainment game. An EE is an element that is consumed by, traded orexchanged in, operated upon, or used to enable the entertainment gameportion of the hybrid game. There may be one or more types of EE presentin the hybrid game's entertainment game. Examples of EE include bulletsin a shooting game, fuel in a racing game, letters in a word spellinggame, downs in a football game, portions in a character adventure game,character health points, etc. The GWE can associate consumption of an EEwith the commitment or wager of RC to a gambling game of the hybrid gamewhereby commitment or wagering of the RC in the gambling game iscoordinated with the consumption of the EE in the entertainment gamebecause of actions of the player. Furthermore, the GWE can provide anincrement or decrement of EE available to the player in coordinationwith the gambling outcome of the gambling game such as by incrementingthe EE when RC is won or decrementing EE when RC is lost.

The GWE's job in this architecture, being interfaced thusly to the ESE,is to allow the transparent coupling of entertainment software to a fairand transparent random chance gambling game, providing a seamlessperspective to the player that they are playing a typical popularentertainment game (which is skill based). In certain embodiments, theESE 222 can be used to enable a wide range of games including but notlimited to popular titles from arcade and home video games, such as butnot limited to Gears of War (a third person shooter game developed byEpic Games of Cary, N.C.), Time Crisis (a shooter arcade game developedby Namco Ltd of Tokyo, Japan), or Madden Football (an American footballvideo game developed by EA Tiburon of Maitland, Fla.), etc.). Providersof such software can provide the previously described interface by whichthe GWE 210 can request amendments to the operation of the ESE softwarein order to provide the seamless and sensible operation of the hybridgame as both a gambling game and an entertainment game.

In several embodiments, the RWE 208 can accept a trigger to run agambling game in response to actions taken by the player in theentertainment game as conveyed by the ESE 222 to the GWE 210, or astriggered by the GWE 210 based on the GWE's control logic, in thebackground to the overall game from the player's perspective, and canprovide information to the GWE 210 to expose the player to certainaspects of the gambling game, such as (but not limited to) odds, amountof RC in play, and amount of RC available. The RWE 208 can acceptmodifications in the amount of RC wagered on each individual gamblingtry, or the number of games per minute the RWE 208 can execute, entranceinto a bonus round, and other factors, all the while these factors cantake a different form than that of a typical slot machine. An example ofa varying wager amount that the player can choose might be that theyhave decided to play with a more powerful character in the game, orhaving a more powerful gun, a better car, etc. These choices canincrease or decrease the amount wagered per individual gambling game, inthe same manner that a standard slot machine player may decide to wagermore or less credits for each pull of the handle. In severalembodiments, the RWE 208 can communicate a number of factors back andforth to the GWE 210, via their interface, such as an increase ordecrease in a wager being a function of the player's decision making asto their operational profile in the entertainment game (i.e. power ofthe character, gun selection, car choice, etc.). In this manner, theplayer is always in control of the per game wager amount, with thechoice mapping to some parameter or component which is applicable to theentertainment game experience of the hybrid game. In a particularembodiment, the RWE operation can be a game of chance running every 10seconds where the amount wagered is communicated from the GWE 210 as afunction of choices the player makes in the operation profile in theentertainment game such as those cited above.

In many embodiments, a hybrid game integrates a video game stylegambling machine, where the gambling game (i.e. RWE 208 and RC) is notplayer skill based, while at the same time allows players to use theirskills to earn club points which a casino operator can translate torewards, tournaments opportunities and prizes for the players. Theactual exchange of monetary funds earned or lost directly from gamblingagainst a game of chance, such as a slot machine, is preserved. At thesame time a rich environment of rewards to stimulate “garners” can beestablished with the entertainment game. In several embodiments, thehybrid game can leverage very popular titles with “garners” and providesa sea change environment for casinos to attract players with games thatare more akin to the type of entertainment which a younger generationdesires. In various embodiments, players can use their skill towardsbuilding and banking GWC which in turn can be used to win tournamentsand various prizes as a function of their “garners” prowess. Numerousembodiments minimize the underlying changes needed to the aforementionedentertainment software (Gears of War, etc.), for the hybrid game tooperate within an entertainment game construct, thus making a plethoraof complex game titles and environments, rapid and inexpensive to deployin a gambling environment.

In several embodiments, a taxation scanning and screening audit (CTF)202 module protects against unauthorized activities in a hybrid game(such as cheats). The credit tax function module 202 can receiveinformation from the hybrid game from taps 212 and control the hybridgame with control signals 218. A tap 212 can be a point from which ancredit tax function module gathers information concerning the hybridgame. In the illustrated embodiment, numerous taps 212 are utilized bythe credit tax function 202 module to gather information concerning thehybrid game 204. The credit tax function module 202 can tap aspects ofthe electronics that enable the gambling game, such as the RWE 208,communication between the RWE 208 and the gambling game user interface230, and/or the gambling game user interface itself 230. Likewise, thecredit tax function module 202 can tap 212 aspects of the electronicsthat enables the entertainment game, such as the GWE 210, ESE 222,entertainment game user interface 234 or communication between the GWE210 and ESE 222, or between the ESE 222 and the entertainment game userinterface 234. Likewise, the credit tax function module 202 can tap 212communication between the RWE 208 and GWE 210. The informationconcerning the hybrid game garnered through taps enables the credit taxfunction module to collate and analyze the data to determine what creditcontributions should be made.

In many embodiments, a credit tax function module 202 can be part of ancredit tax function system including a server connected via a network toa plurality of credit tax function modules, where the credit taxfunction system can be in the Cloud or housed in a separate discretesever and where the credit tax function modules can be separate physicaldevices, or processes running in a larger piece of software, or anyvariation thereof. In several embodiments, a credit tax function module202 is connect to a credit tax function system over a secure interface.

Although specific taps 212 and control signals 218 are discussed above,any of a variety of taps 212 and/or control signals 218 can be utilizedby a credit tax function module 202 as appropriate to the requirementsof a specific application in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

In numerous embodiments of a hybrid game, a video game style gamblingmachine could be implemented, where the gambling portion of the game(i.e. RWE and RC) is not player skill based, while at the same timeallows players to use their skills to earn club points which a casinooperator can translate to rewards, tournaments opportunities and prizesfor the players. The actual exchange of monetary funds earned or lostdirectly from gambling against a slot machine is preserved, while at thesame time a rich environment of rewards to stimulate “garners” can beestablished.

In many embodiments, the hybrid game architecture leverages very populartitles with “garners” and provides a sea change environment for casinosto attract players with games that are more akin to the type ofentertainment which a younger generation desires.

In various embodiments, players use their skill towards building andbanking GWC which in turn is to win tournaments and various prizes as afunction of their “garners” prowess.

In many embodiments, the underlying changes needed to an entertainmentgame software (Gears of War, etc.) is minimized, for the software tooperate within the gaming construct, thus making a plethora of complexgame titles and environments, rapid and inexpensive to deploy in agambling environment.

In numerous embodiments, a hybrid game construct allows players to beincented to accumulate GWC. There are a number of goals a player mayhave for accumulating GWC and thus have this incentive. Some examples ofthese goals may have to do with a player seeking to upgrade theircharacters or enterprises in the game space, or to provide for betterequipment and outfitting of these characters and enterprises. Otherplayers may achieve satisfaction of stature based on their rankingwithin the game player's community. In some embodiments, an incentivewill revolve around some kind of prize or monetary award foraccumulating a threshold of GWC or winning (or placing) within atournament. In various embodiments, a method for putting up the moneyfor prizes and cash awards would be a casino dedicating a certain amountof a budget from a department in order to fund the costs. Variousembodiments of the invention provide tools to accomplish gathering thecredits or funds for these awards. Many embodiments provide for amethod, consistent with the hybrid game construct, for automaticallyfunding a prize and award pool from the community of players playing thehybrid games. Award pool funding could be segmented simply, meaning anentire casino's operations population of hybrid games would contributeto a common pool, or segmentation could be more sophisticated whereclasses of hybrid games (such as word games, shooter games, strategygames, etc.) could contribute to separate pools used for awards forplayers of those respective games.

Credit Tax Function Module

FIG. 3 illustrates the functions of a credit tax function module inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 illustrates thefunctional relationship between a credit tax function module 300 and theelements, namely an RWE 310, a GWE 312 and an ESE 314 of a hybrid game316 construct with the addition of a credit tax function (CTF) 301 a and301 b, a credit tax management system (CTMS) 302, a credit tax pool(CTP) 304 a and 304 b, and alternate arrangements for the CTF and CTP.The function of the CTF added to the hybrid game and/or system is toeffectively collect a “tax” of credits used in the hybrid game, eitherRC, GWC or both, based on algorithms and formulae established in thegame design and contained in the CTF. The CTF could either be a separateconstruct executing with its own operating system in the game, or be afunction contained in the RWE, GWE and/or the ESE. In variousembodiments, the CTF may not exist in the hybrid game at all, but ratherexists in an external system to which one or more hybrid games areconnected, such as an RW management system 306, a GWE management system308, some other system, or a system dedicated to the CTF, namely theCTMS. The segmentation of where the CTF actually exists may be driven bylogical design, or may be a requirement driven either casino operatorsand/or regulatory bodies. It should be understood by those skilled inthe art that the CTF function, the hybrid game, hybrid game connectedsystem, and the CTMS (if it exists as a discrete system), are flexibleenough to allow the CTF function to exist within any one or more ofthese elements.

The operation of the CTMS 302, and thus the CTF and financial managementof the hybrid games, may be carefully monitored and controlled by acasino operator, and thus the ability to tailor the CTF and theresulting CTP for the operation will be desirable. In some embodiments,the CTF is operably connected to the CTMS and accepts signaling andcontrols from the CTMS in regards to reprogramming the CTF's operations,adjusting the formulae, algorithms and taxes the CTF is to levy, andother operational and functional modes the CTF supports.

In numerous embodiments, there are a number of methods, which can beused singularly or in combination, by which the CTF could go aboutcollection of credits for contribution to the CTP. A non-exhaustive listof examples of CTF “taxing” Include:

-   -   Taking a percentage of the RC bet for each RC bet placed. In the        event of this type of tax, the RWE might make adjustments to its        pay-out odds, or use other means, so that small fractions of a        bet could be extracted. An example of this would be if a player        were to bet 1 credit, and a 0.05% tax were to be extracted on        each bet, the odds to win a return on the best would have to be        slightly adjusted in order to levy this small amount of tax on a        single bet. Such adjustments would naturally have to be        disclosed to the player in some manner as would be required by        regulatory authorities.    -   Taking a percentage of the RC won on a game. For instance, if a        player were to win 100 RC, and the CTP tax was 1% for a jackpot        this size, then the CTF would release 99 RC to the game credits        and 1 RC would be allocated to the CTP.    -   Another method for taxing bets placed or bets won would be to        aggregate partial credits taxed across multiple games played        and/or multiple sessions as a function of the player in        question, and to collect the tax at such time that the partial        credits summed to a whole number of credits.    -   Taking a fixed amount of RC, in addition to the amount of RC        wagered, in order for a player to place a bet, either in the        real world context of direct gambling, or in a virtual casino in        the entertainment/skill portion of the game.    -   Taking a percentage of the GWC earned in a entertainment/skill        portion of the game. For instance, if a player were to earn 300        GWC as a function of a feat, and the CTP tax was 2.5% on this        type of credit, then 292 GWC would be allocated to the player's        GWC total, and 8 GWC would be consumed by the taxing system        (rounded up). It should be noted that since the total GWC        population in existence inevitably leads to a casino operator        obligation, so taxing GWC could be one method for supporting        funding of awards for the player community.    -   Charging a player a certain amount of RC or GWC in order to        undertake a feat or effort in the game. In this type of tax, the        game may present the player with a challenge, such as picking a        lock on a chest in a dungeon game. It's implied that the chest        may have something of value in it. In order to attempt to pick        the lock, the player must agree to spend so much RC, GWC or        both. There is a chance applied to the attempt, which may or may        not successfully pick the lock and open the chest. The fees paid        in this example for the attempt would be funded to the CTP.    -   Charging an entry fee to enter a tournament, charged in RC, GWC        or both.    -   A time based tax system. In this case, a player is taxed for        increments of time on the game, or is taxed at pre-determined        intervals. RC, GWC or both could be taxed in this manner and        contributed to the CTP.

In numerous embodiments, a CTF incorporates rounding functions in orderto maintain unit credit accounting.

In some embodiments, the CTF taxing function on credits bet, won orearned may not be linear in nature. That is to say, the CTF may beconfigured so that taxes are weighted heavier towards bets, jackpots andgame awards of a certain size than they are to their counterparts.

In various embodiments, CTF taxing function on players of a certainskill may not be linear in nature. That is to say, the CTF may beconfigured so that taxes are weighted heavier towards players of acertain skill level than they are to their counterparts.

As described above, there can be a number of ways to embed or isolatethe CTF, the CTP and the CTMS and those skilled in the art of systemswill understand that the CTMS may include many different forms ofsegmentation and integration. In many embodiments, CTMS would be taskedwith collection of “taxes” in the various manners described above (tocite a few possibilities). In various embodiments, the CTMS isinterfaced to the casino's financial systems so that clear accountingfor the CTP would be known, and this information could in turn be usedto set and program the various payouts and prizes available for GWCredemption and tournaments wins. In some embodiments, these samefinancial systems would be connected to the RC management system and theGWE management system so that RC and GWC in float would be known aswell. Based on this information, and market forces, a casino may electto raise all funds necessary for funding prizes, awards and redemptionsfrom the player community, either in total or in segments as discussedabove, or it may choose to raise some of the funds needed from CFTtaxation and contribute the balance from budgets established for thispurpose.

In numerous embodiments, there may be other forms of credits in a hybridgame which the CTF could tax. In some embodiments, either separately orin combination with credit taxation, the consumable commodity of theentertainment game in play, namely the EE, may also be something uponwhich the CTF performs taxation for contribution to the CTP.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of hybrid game utilizing credit taxfunction module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Theprocess 400 includes collecting (402) information regarding player playof a hybrid game from the hybrid game through taps. In certainembodiments, the information collected from these taps can relate toplayer actions (including player actions on its user interface),decisions, skill parameters or entertainment game operation metrics of aplurality of functions (scores, scores for actions, game time clocks,word spell letters, shots, accuracy, weapon types, portion types, gamecharacter parameters, health points, game object speed, etc.), andcommitment, loss and accumulation of RC and GWC. After collecting (402)the information, the credit tax function module stores (404) theinformation. In many numerous embodiments, a credit tax function modulestores a record of a game session or an internal ESE entertainment gamestatus. After storing (404) the information, the information is used tocalculate a credit contribution using any of the methods describedherein. After calculating the appropriate credit contribution, thecredit tax function module transmits the calculated credit contributionto an appropriate management system as described herein.

In additional embodiments, a credit tax function module can retrievepre-stored information related to hybrid game sessions, including butnot limited to audit logs, time stamped events, analysis, and rawperformance and operation data, and sends the data to an credit taxfunction system to which it is connected. In other embodiments, a credittax function module retrieves pre-stored information related to hybridgame sessions, including but not limited to audit logs, time stampedevents, analysis, and raw performance and operation data, and sends thedata to a removable memory device.

Although a specific credit tax function module is discussed above, anyof a variety of credit tax function modules can be utilized asappropriate to the requirements of a specific application in accordancewith embodiments of the invention. In numerous embodiments, variouscomponents of the credit tax function module can be implemented ineither hardware or software. In certain embodiments, some or the entirecredit tax function module may exist as software in the GWE, the hybridgame or a server to which the hybrid game is connected. In a number ofembodiments, the hybrid game itself to which the credit tax functionmodule interfaces may exist in the cloud or a remote sever, and in suchimplementations, the entire credit tax function, or portions thereof,including data collection taps, may only be comprised solely of softwarerunning on a server or in the cloud, or some variation thereof.Exemplary operating modes and functions of a credit tax function moduleare discussed below.

Processing Apparatus

Any of a variety of processing apparatuses can host various componentsof a credit contribution hybrid gaming system in accordance withembodiments of the invention. In several embodiments, these processingapparatuses can include, but are not limited to, a gaming machine, ageneral purpose computer, a personal computing device, a smartphoneand/or a controller. A processing apparatus in accordance with variousembodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 5. In the processingapparatus 500, a processor 504 is coupled to a memory 506 by a bus 528.The processor 504 is also coupled to non-transitory processor-readablestorage media, such as a storage device 508 that storesprocessor-executable instructions 512 and data 510 through the systembus 528 to an I/O bus 526 through a storage controller 518. Theprocessor 504 is also coupled to one or more interfaces that may be usedto connect the processor to other processing apparatuses as well asnetworks as described herein. The processor 504 is also coupled via thebus to user input devices 514, such as tactile devices like keyboards,keypads, foot pads, touch screens, trackballs, etc., as well asnon-contact devices such as audio input devices, motion sensors andmotion capture devices, etc. that the processing apparatus may use toreceive inputs from a user when the user interacts with the processingapparatus. The processor 504 is connected to these user input devices514 through the system bus 528, to the I/O bus 526 and through the inputcontroller 520. The processor 504 is also coupled via the bus to useroutput devices 516 such as (but not limited to) visual output devices,audio output devices, and/or tactile output devices that the processingapparatus uses to generate outputs perceivable by the user when the userinteracts with the processing apparatus. In several embodiments, theprocessor is coupled to visual output devices such as (but not limitedto) display screens, light panels, and/or lighted displays. In a numberof embodiments, the processor is coupled to audio output devices such as(but not limited to) speakers, and/or sound amplifiers. In manyembodiments, the processor is coupled to tactile output devices likevibrators, and/or manipulators. The processor is connected to outputdevices from the system bus 528 to the I/O bus 526 and through theoutput controller 522. The processor 504 can also be connected to acommunications interface 502 from the system bus 528 to the I/O bus 526through a communications controller 524.

In various embodiments, a processor loads the instructions and the datafrom the storage device into the memory and executes the instructionsand operates on the data to implement the various aspects and featuresof the components of a credit contribution hybrid game gaming system asdescribed herein. The processor uses the user input devices and the useroutput devices in accordance with the instructions and the data in orderto create and operate user interfaces for players, casino operators,owners, etc. as described herein.

Although the processing apparatus is described herein as beingconstructed from a processor and instructions stored and executed byhardware components, the processing apparatus can be composed of onlyhardware components in accordance with many embodiments. In addition,although the storage device is described as being coupled to theprocessor through a bus, those skilled in the art of processingapparatuses will understand that the storage device can includeremovable media such as a USB memory device, an optical CD ROM, magneticmedia such as tape or disks, etc. Also, the storage device can beaccessed through one of the interfaces or over a network. Furthermore,any of the user input devices or user output devices can be coupled tothe processor via one of the interfaces or over a network. In addition,although a single processor is described, those skilled in the art willunderstand that the processor can be a controller or other computingdevice or a separate computer as well as be composed of multipleprocessors or computing devices.

In numerous embodiments, any of an credit tax function module, credittax function system, an RWE, a GWE and an ESE as described herein can beimplemented on one or more processing apparatuses, whether dedicated,shared or distributed in any combination thereof, or may be implementedon a single processing apparatus. In addition, while certain aspects andfeatures of a gaming and taxation monitoring system described hereinhave been attributed to an credit tax function module, credit taxfunction system, an RWE, a GWE or an ESE, these aspects and features maybe implemented in a hybrid form where any of the features or aspects maybe performed by any of an credit tax function module, credit taxfunction system, an RWE, a GWE or an ESE within a gaming system withoutdeviating from the spirit of the invention.

While the above description contains many specific embodiments of theinvention, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope ofthe invention, but rather as an example of one embodiment thereof. It istherefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwisethan as specifically described, without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention should beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a gaming system having arandom number generator and a credit meter, comprising: receiving by thegaming system from a player an input of real world credit; providing bythe gaming system a display screen configured to display a playerinterface; connecting to a first hybrid game wherein the first hybridgame provides a first entertainment game portion coupled to a gamblinggame portion; receiving information of skilled player actions taken by aplayer from the first hybrid game, wherein the skilled player actionsincludes a commitment and triggering of a wager of real world credits inthe gambling game portion of the first hybrid game, wherein a wageroutcome of the wager is based on an outcome of the random numbergenerator, a paytable, and the commitment and triggering of the wager inresponse to the skilled player actions taken by the player while playingthe first entertainment game portion of the first hybrid game; using thewager outcome to alter subsequent gameplay in the first entertainmentgame portion of the first hybrid game; collecting a portion of the wagerof real world credits committed to the gambling game portion of thefirst hybrid game in response to the skilled player actions taken by theplayer while playing the first entertainment game portion of the firsthybrid game; accruing first game world credit earned by the player forthe player's skilled player actions taken during skillful play of thefirst entertainment game portion of the first hybrid game and triggeringof the wager of real world credits committed to the gambling gameportion of the first hybrid game, wherein the game world credits areearned or depleted as a function of player performance in the context ofthe entertainment game portion of the first hybrid game; entering theplayer into an asynchronous hybrid game tournament on the basis of theaccumulated first game world credit earned through skillful play of thefirst entertainment game portion of the first hybrid game; allowing theplayer to determine the time of the player's entrance into theasynchronous hybrid game tournament; generating a display of informationof the player's entrance into the asynchronous hybrid game tournament;contributing the collected portion of the wager of real world credits toa pool, the pool contributed to an award for redemption of second gameworld credit earned by the player during the player's play of a secondentertainment game portion of a second hybrid game in the asynchronoushybrid game tournament; entering the player into the asynchronous hybridgame tournament on the basis of the player's skill at playing the firstentertainment game portion of the first hybrid game; and contributing tothe award for redemption of the second game world credit earned by theplayer in the asynchronous hybrid game tournament, from the real worldcredits committed by the player to the gambling game portion of thefirst hybrid game.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: whereinthe first and second entertainment game portion are the sameentertainment game portion and the first and second hybrid games are thesame hybrid game.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: whereinthe portion of the wager of real world credits collected is a percentageof real world credit wagered in the first gambling game portion of thefirst hybrid game during the player's play of the first entertainmentportion of the first hybrid game and the percentage is taken directlyfrom the wagered real world credit.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: wherein the portion of the wager of real world creditscollected is a percentage of real world credit wagered in the firstgambling game portion of the first hybrid game during the player's playof the first entertainment portion of the first hybrid game and thepercentage is taken by adjusting the odds tables of the gambling gameportion of the first hybrid game.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: wherein the portion of the wager of real world creditscollected is a percentage of real world credit won in the gambling gameportion of the first hybrid game.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: wherein a percentage portion of game world credit is takenfrom the first entertainment portion of the hybrid game and contributedto the pool.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: wherein, theportion of the wager of real world credits is taken on a periodic timebasis.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: wherein the portionof the wager of real world credits is collected for use of the firsthybrid game for a certain period of time.
 9. The method of claim 1,further comprising: wherein the portion of the wager of real worldcredits collected is a certain amount taken for the player to enter theasynchronous hybrid game tournament.
 10. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: wherein the portion of the wager of real world credits is acertain amount taken in order for the first player to attempt a specificaction in the first entertainment game portion of the first hybrid game.11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a user inputdevice operatively connected to the first hybrid game; providing a useroutput device operatively connected to the first hybrid game; providinga credit input device operatively connected to the real worldcontroller; and providing a credit output device operatively connectedto the real world controller.